Credit card for car hire

[Xelfyou]

I'm travelling to Portugal in a few weeks.
Are credit cards essential for car hire? Can I just use a debit card?

 

[AndroidMan]

It depends on the company. Europcar definitely take Debit card.

 

[Laughahalla]

Dollar take debit card

 

[TRS30]

Most companies I think pre authorise the security deposit so make sure your card can cover that as well (recent experience in France).

 

[TheJackal]

Only one company lets you rent a car in Ireland without a credit card I believe: Enterprise

May be different in Portugal

 

[Bronte]

Be very careful of car hire in Portugal, only use the well known brands.

 

[Dr Strangelove]

Europcar definitely take Debit card.

The “hold” on the debit card will be actual funds taken from your account so make sure you are ready for this. With a credit card it’s just an amount that’s blocked until return of vehicle.

A recent Europcar security deposit was €300 on my credit card.

 

[mrvinegar]

enterprise in dublin airport dont allow debit cards, they said their other offices do

also they dont take non physical credit cards

 

[Bronte]

I generally have 1500 to 2500 blocked on my credit card at car hire in Dublin airport. And it must be a credit card.

 

[Xelfyou]

Thanks to all for the help.